Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!

Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
     After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE .  You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia

Latest Activity

Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 10 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @grizelda:
"So good to have you join, Grizelda. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It is great you are playing in the style of John Jacob Niles. There are..."
Nate
@nate • 11 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"When I saw the width of the stump, I jokingly said "that must have made a lot of matchsticks.""
Nate
@nate • 11 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"It was big enough that I could lay on it with a few feet above my head as a 6'3 person. The tape measure said it was 10 feet between the most distant..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 12 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"Wow, 10', @nate !  That must've been some tree!   Lucky for us, we can see some large Oaks out our West windows-- there aren't a lot of them yet we're..."
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
"Jamie, I have always loved this song, and your rendition is incredible. Thank you very much for sharing this. I'd love to hear you sing this song! I know..."
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Old Oaks
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"I recently had the pleasure of seeing the stump of the largest oak tree in Oregon, just a few weeks ago. The tree had become a hazard after years of decay,..."
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on drunk at night and dry in the morning:
"Strumelia: Pretty tune and well played, James! (Robin, I'm kind of guessing that 'dry in the morning' refers to swearing off booze once waking up sober the..."
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: drunk at night and dry in the morning
Nate
@nate • 12 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 16 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Old Oaks
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 16 hours ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
olddog75
@olddog75 • 18 hours ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 18 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @grizelda:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Grizelda. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to hearing your recordings. John Jacob Niles is quite a character to emulate. For..."
paula
@paula • 21 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Well, my turntable just started acting whackadoo (suddenly speeding up to 78rpm range)  so I can’t guarantee the whole album. On the first track it’s solo..."
tharleman
@tharleman • 22 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Is the music on the "Chet Hines – Fiddlin' With A Dulcimore" record, duets with a fiddle and dulcimore or a dulcimore played with a fiddle bow or something..."
tharleman
@tharleman • 22 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"The "Hollow Poplar" is an album of the 1974 Indiana Fiddler's Gathering performances. I have the vinyl album.Chet did play the dulcimer on that album Hollow..."
paula
@paula • 22 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"..."
Dan
@dan • 23 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"tharleman: Dan, On YouTube what did you search for to find one track from "Chet Hines - Fiddlin' With a Dulcimore"? Or can you click "Share" on the YouTube..."
tharleman
@tharleman • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"This is from discogs.com https://www.discogs.com/release/21054343-Chet-Hines-Fiddlin-With-A-Dulcimore Chet Hines – Fiddlin' With A Dulcimore Label:..."
paula
@paula • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"I also own a copy of this “not quite an LP”. Would there be any copyright issues posting it? I don’t have any recording equipment but could probably find a..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"It certainly would be nice to be able to download a copy of Chet Hines recording. There seems to be several of us interested in hearing it. Ken "The dulcimer..."
tharleman
@tharleman • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"@steve-c , It's nice to know there's one still around. I contacted a dulcimer luthier who knew Chet personally. He has one, too. So, hopefully he will..."
cairney
@steve-c • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"I own this one but all my equipment is stored for now."
John Pettreemusic
@john-petry • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Not sure if this helps?.....the quest continues...."
John Pettreemusic
@john-petry • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"..."
tharleman
@tharleman • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Dan, On YouTube what did you search for to find one track from "Chet Hines - Fiddlin' With a Dulcimore"? Or can you click "Share" on the YouTube post and..."
Dan
@dan • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"I found one trac on YouTube if you want to look there..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @nyredneck:
"Hi Red, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @nyredneck:
"Glad you joined the forum NYredneck. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is an active forum with a great deal of experience and knowledge..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
"This tune evokes a bygone era.  Nicely done, Jamie!  And warmest holiday wishes to you, too! "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
Banjostray
@banjostray • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
"And I should add...Merry Christmas and happy new year to all.."
Banjostray
@banjostray • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Old Oaks
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Created a new Audio File:
The Rosebud of Allenvale
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @nyredneck:
"Welcome to FOTMD, NyRedNeck. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. I'm thinking about attending the festival in Albany in..."
Dan
@dan • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Old Oaks
tharleman
@tharleman • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"I saw an Ebay vinyl LP entitled, "Chet Hines - Fiddlin' With a Dulcimore". It had already sold. If anyone has one, I'd sure like a digital copy of it. I hook..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @freddy-gene:
"Hi Fred, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kriskitko:
"Hi Kris, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tony:
"Hi Tony, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dave-in-east-texas:
"Hi Dave, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: O Christmas Tree
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: O Christmas Tree
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dave-in-east-texas:
"Glad you joined Dave. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great community. Let us know of specific questions and someone here will be able..."

Join a Group!   All

Beginner players

Beginner players


Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players

OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...


If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making

Dulcimer Making


A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players

Hymn and Worship Song Players


a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner

The Music Theory Corner


A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions

Mountain Dulcimer History &...


Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying

Technology/Software/Amplifying


to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer

Singing with the Dulcimer


Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for Dulcimers

Arranging/composing for...


A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer players

NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...


For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players

Virginia Dulcimer Players


Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness

Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness


A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'

California Dulcimer Dreamin'


For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

Kentucky Dulcimer Players


A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players

West Virginia players


A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players

Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players


For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!

AussieTalk!


For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group

Site Moderators Group


A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...

Latest Audio

  All
The Rosebud of Allenvale
The Old Oaks
"Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.
drunk at night and dry in the morning
A Light in the Window
The wandering fiddler.
Tiptoe Hornpipe.
Awake Early - with Billy Boy in the room
Little Red Lark
Myfanwy
Overwintering
A Skift of Snow
Blue skies
Peter’s song
Ymbwyllo (Unwinding)
Crawdad Song
Planxty Seymour Cleland
Ramblin' Round.
Isabella
Peace
Varsoviana
 Sharbot's Waltz.
Seven Years.
I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
A Tune For Cece
Headin' South
Pine Cones
Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].
Brian Boru's March

Coming Events   All

No Coming Events


Latest gallery Photos   All

New Harmony dulcimer on scarf.jpg
Ron Gibson dulcimer on afghan-2025.jpg
Carol Hatfield - Back to Blackberry Creek foldout.png
Open Night 2025 Plakat.png
me playing Mastertone-Gary on whistle-FC-Feb 2025.jpg
Dexter with dulcimers, couch-2025.jpg
Ferguson dulcimer-me-flute circle Aug 2024-2.jpg
Me playing Mastertone-4-FC-Feb 2025.jpg
IMG_0188.jpeg
IMG_0190.jpeg
IMG_0189.jpeg
20240904_170509.jpg
20240829_111806.jpg
20240817_111810.jpg
20240618_151715.jpg
20250709_093431.jpg
20250628_122610.jpg
Ash-and-Chechan-dulcimer.jpg

Latest Forum Posts   All

Chet Hines “dulcimore”

Posted: Monday December 29 2025, 8:47 AM
By: @paula

At a Dinner Party

Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 5:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Two new reviews of my...

Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 1:09 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

A Very Merry Christmas to...

Posted: Thursday December 25 2025, 5:10 PM
By: @RobMachin

Is it worth gifting this...

Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 7:30 PM
By: @hugssandi

Ever seen an epinette like...

Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 1:55 PM
By: @Mark Gilston

How Many Dulcimers Do You...

Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:26 PM
By: @RDaleMc

Directing Facebook Dulcimer...

Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:21 PM
By: @RDaleMc

Peterson Tuner

Posted: Sunday December 21 2025, 4:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Plucked psaltries

Posted: Wednesday December 17 2025, 6:22 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery

Western North Carolina...

Posted: Tuesday December 16 2025, 4:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Retuning

Posted: Wednesday December 10 2025, 6:31 AM
By: @Strumelia

Blue Lion Soprano Dulcimer...

Posted: Monday December 8 2025, 10:29 AM
By: @Debi

My dulcimer collection

Posted: Thursday December 4 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Strumelia

Cyndi Lauper live

Posted: Sunday November 30 2025, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia

Playing with hand issues

Posted: Friday November 28 2025, 1:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Thursday November 27 2025, 11:29 AM
By: @Banjostray

Shifting bridge and nut

Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 10:03 PM
By: @Shopdad

Leveling of frets - why?

Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @Shopdad

Cyndi Lauper Walk Away Renee

Posted: Thursday November 20 2025, 2:37 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Searching for tab for...

Posted: Saturday November 15 2025, 1:02 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Goodbye my old friend 

Posted: Thursday November 13 2025, 10:30 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...

Posted: Tuesday November 11 2025, 9:31 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Looking for Info on Laurel...

Posted: Monday November 10 2025, 2:00 PM
By: @Jerry Posner

Advice for fire-damaged...

Posted: Sunday November 9 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @Wally Venable

History of Pinewoods folk...

Posted: Tuesday November 4 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @Strumelia

Child ballads playlist on...

Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 7:26 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

equal intonation versus...

Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:30 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

the bridge “saddle”

Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:05 PM
By: @Nate

TK O'Brien Walnut Creek...

Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 10:40 AM
By: @BJ Jordan

Read the Site Rules

Our Welcome Wagon!

3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :

Jim Fawcett greeterjim.jpg Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

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